"Hekitei," a Japanese restaurant utilizing an old samurai residence in Chitose-cho, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, has been crowded with foreign tourists. Conveying the charm of Japanese culture, the sushi-making experience at this location which was built more than 300 years ago continues to be very popular this year.

The group tour, in which tourists travel all over the country, is organized by an American travel agency. Hekitei began participating in 2009, for a limited time from March to December. This season is said to have the highest use ever, with almost every day being fully booked.

Recently, 16 tourists from the United States tried making "Temari-zushi," or small, ball-shaped sushi. Wearing coverall aprons, they shaped vinegared rice into small, round balls, and then topped them with shrimp, salmon, cucumber or rolled omelettes. Served along with the sushi were dishes such as "Kikuna no Kakiage," or tempura mixed with edible chrysanthemum grown in Kameoka City, and rape-blossom salad, which the participants tasted, using chopsticks to eat. While admiring the gardens, participants contentedly said, "This sushi-making experience was the most fun of the Japanese tour." "I could feel the history of samurai."

Michiyo Heki, the proprietress, said, "A samurai residence is popular among foreign people. We want to satisfy guests with polite hospitality and offer opportunities for international cultural exchange."

They also provide opportunities for cultural exchange for general visitors and foreign people. Advance reservations are also required for general guests to use the restaurant. For further information, call Hekitei at 0771-23-0889.